--Foreign Nationals From 45 Countries May Enter Guangzhou Without Visa

As approved by the State Council, starting in August 1, 2013, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport has implemented the policy of 72-hour visa-free transit for passengers from 45 countries who hold a third-country visa.

Foreign nationals from 45 countries and regions holding valid passports as well as connecting tickets with set travel dates, are now qualified to enter Guangzhou without needing a Chinese visa and will have free and unfettered access throughout Guangdong Province during the 72-hour transit period.

The foreigners who are qualified for the 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit shall put forward application to the airlines carrying them to Guangzhou, which then shall declare to Frontier Inspection Authority of Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. Frontier Inspection Authority will allow temporary entry after examination if they are meeting the transit without visa (TWOV) conditions.

● What does the 72-hour visa-free transit mean?

It means that foreign passengers with a flight ticket and visa to a third country in transit to the third country via the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport can stay in Guangdong for up to 72 hours without a Chinese visa. For example, before the policy is introduced, a passenger who was traveling to Australia via Guangzhou could only wait for his connecting flight at the airport, but after the policy is implemented, he may leave the airport and stay in Guangdong for up to three days before departing for Australia.

A: (a) Citizens of the 45 countries entitled to the 72-hour visa-free transit (passengers' city of arrival or destination does not have to be one of these 45 countries; (2) passengers who hold valid international travel documents, a visa from a third country or region, and a ticket for a connecting flight within 72 hours from Guangzhou to a third country or region; and (3) eligible passengers cannot travel beyond Guangdong.

● Scope of Applicability

Q: Does this policy apply to passengers from a third country or region to Guangzhou who hold a ticket for a return flight within 72 hours?

A: This policy is only applicable to passengers in transit to a third country or region and therefore does not apply to foreign visitors who travel on round trip flights.

● How long can I stay

Q: How is the 72-hour period defined?

A: The 72-hour period starts from zero hours on the day immediately following the passenger's entry. In theory, an eligible foreign passenger can stay in Guangzhou for up to 96 hours. For example, for a passenger arriving at the Baiyun Airport at 00:01 on August 1, his 72-hour visa-free period starts from 00:00 of August 2; he may depart at 23:59 on August 4.

● What is the procedure

Q: What is the procedure for the visa-free stay?

A: Eligible passengers can inform their carrier of their eligibility for the 72-hour visa-free policy and make a request to complete the procedure for the stay. The carrier will forward their requests to the border control authorities at the Baiyun Airport. Passengers who have not made a request before landing in the airport may make a request after landing.

● Special Circumstances

Q: Can I enter Guangzhou by train or bus from Hong Kong or Macao and then depart from the Baiyun Airport within 72 hours?

A: No, you can't. This policy is only implemented at the Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. Passengers entitle to the 72-hour visa-free transit policy can only complete their transit procedure at the Baiyun Airport.

Q: What should be done in case a foreigner who has the 72-hour transit visa exemption cannot leave China within 72 hours due to some special reason after entry?

A: In case of special need to stay in the administrative precincts of Guangdong Province longer than 72 hours due to force majeure or of exceeding the permitted scope of stay, a passenger should apply for the relevant visa to the exit-entry administration department of the municipal public security authorities of Guangdong.

● 24-hour Inquiry Hotline

Q: If I have more questions concerning the immigration, how can I ask for an answer?

A: You may call the 24-hour inquiry hotline of Baiyun Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection: +86 20 36066950 or 24-hour inquiry hotline of Guangzhou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection: +86 20 32090088.

With the implementation of this new 72-hour TWOV policy, Canton Tours has specifically prepared a series of customized travel & tour products, providing transit passengers with one-stop professional quality services so that they can grasp the change to visit the fantastic Guangzhou and experience it’s local Lingnan culture, cantonese cuisine and interesting scenic spots.